What is a Half-time/Full-time bet?
A half-time/full-time (HT/FT) bet is a football bet where you predict who will be winning at half-time and who will win the match at full-time. You must get both parts right to win. Because you are predicting two outcomes, the odds are usually higher than a normal match-winner bet.
How a Half-time/Full-time bet works
HT/FT betting uses the same three standard 1X2 outcomes:
- 1 = Home win
- X = Draw
- 2 = Away win
You predict one outcome for half-time and one for full-time. This creates nine possible combinations:
HT/FT Combination | Code | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
Home / Home | 1 / 1 | Home team leads at HT & wins at FT |
Home / Draw | 1 / X | Home team leads at HT, match is a draw at FT |
Home / Away | 1 / 2 | Home team leads at HT, Away team wins at FT |
Draw / Home | X / 1 | Draw at HT, Home team wins at FT |
Draw / Draw | X / X | Draw at both HT and FT |
Draw / Away | X / 2 | Draw at HT, Away team wins at FT |
Away / Home | 2 / 1 | Away team leads at HT, Home team wins at FT |
Away / Draw | 2 / X | Away team leads at HT, match is a draw at FT |
Away / Away | 2 / 2 | Away team leads at HT & wins at FT |
Practical example
Consider a Premier League match between Arsenal and Brighton. Below are sample Half-time/Full-time (HT/FT) odds:
- 1 / 1 → 2.40 (decimal), +140 (American)
- X / 1 → 4.20 (decimal), +320 (American)
- 1 / X → 17.00 (decimal), +1,600 (American)
- 1 / 2 → 34.00 (decimal), +3,300 (American)
- X / X → 6.00 (decimal), +500 (American)
- 2 / 2 → 11.00 (decimal), +1,000 (American)
If you choose X / 1, you are predicting a draw at half-time followed by an Arsenal win at full-time.
If the match finishes:
- HT: 0–0 (X)
- FT: 2–1 Arsenal (1)
Your bet wins at 4.20 (decimal). If either the half-time result or full-time result had differed from your chosen combination, the bet would have been counted as a loss.
Payout example
Using the X / 1 selection from the scenario above, the return is based on both parts of the prediction being correct. At odds of 4.20, a £10 stake would generate a £42 total return, which includes £32 profit.
HT/FT bets generally offer higher payouts than standard match winner bets because you are predicting two outcomes at once: the half-time result and the full-time result. The combined requirement makes it more difficult to win, so bookmakers compensate with higher odds to reflect the increased risk.
Half-time/Full-time variations and alternatives
HT/FT bets are one way to combine predictions for a match, but there are other types of bets that focus on specific parts of the game or different outcomes.
Bettors can also consider the following options:
Bet Type | Description | Typical Odds |
|---|---|---|
Half-time result only | Predict only the outcome at half-time | Lower than HT/FT |
Full-time result only | Predict only the final outcome | Standard match odds |
Covers two outcomes (e.g., Home/Draw) | Lower, higher chance of winning | |
Win both halves | Predict the same team will lead at HT and win at FT | Higher than standard match odds |
Correct Score | Predict the exact full-time score | Higher, riskier odds |
Strategies for Half-time/Full-time betting
- Analyse first-half trends: Review teams’ scoring patterns and defensive performance in the opening 45 minutes.
- Consider full-time form: Examine overall match outcomes, including wins, draws, and losses over recent games.
- Home and away impact: Assess how teams perform at home versus away, as it can influence both half-time and full-time results.
- Compare odds across bookmakers: Identify value by checking HT/FT odds from multiple bookmakers.
- Use historical head-to-head data: Review previous encounters between the teams to spot recurring patterns in half-time and full-time results.
Conclusion
The half-time/full-time bet is a popular and engaging market that offers higher rewards by challenging you to predict the match's narrative across both halves.
While it requires more foresight than a simple win-draw-win bet, its potential for value makes it an attractive option for punters who study team patterns. By understanding the risks and strategies involved, you can add a dynamic and potentially profitable layer to your football betting.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can Half-time/Full-time bets be placed during live matches?
Yes, many bookmakers allow in-play HT/FT betting. Odds can fluctuate rapidly based on first-half events, so timing your bet is crucial to securing value.
What happens if a match is abandoned or postponed?
If a game is abandoned before half-time or not completed, HT/FT bets are usually voided and stakes are returned. Rules can vary slightly between bookmakers, so it’s worth checking their terms.
How do Half-time/Full-time bets differ from Double Chance bets?
Double Chance covers two potential outcomes for one stage of the match, usually full-time. HT/FT bets, by contrast, require correctly predicting two outcomes across both half-time and full-time.
Do all football leagues offer Half-time/Full-time betting?
Most major leagues, including the Premier League, La Liga, and Bundesliga, offer HT/FT markets. However, availability can vary depending on the bookmaker and the country in which you are placing the bet.
Can Half-time/Full-time bets be combined with other markets?
Yes, some bettors combine HT/FT predictions with other markets, such as total goals or both teams to score, to create more complex accumulators or system bets and potentially increase returns.
Can I cash out a Half-time/Full-time bet?
Many bookmakers offer a cash-out option for HT/FT bets. The value will change dynamically based on the live match situation and the likelihood of your prediction being correct.
Does extra time or penalties count in Half-time/Full-time bets?
No. HT/FT bets are settled on the standard 90-minute result only. Any goals scored during extra time or penalty shootouts do not count for this market.